November welcomes another year of German Literature Month hosted by Caroline and Lizzy. The idea is to read fiction, non-fiction, short stories, etc. as long as the original work was written in German. There are also two scheduled readalongs which you can read more about here.
As I mentioned in my recent library haul, I found two books that I thought might be good for this challenge. In addition I have the following books that I could look into: Crabwalk by Gunter Grass and The Quest for Christa T by Christa Wolff. I also have this short story collection which on one side is in English and the other page is the German version. A good way to practice my German.
When we were in Germany last Summer I picked up several free book magazines from the various bookstores I visited (you can see them underneath the books). I always like to take these even if my German definitely needs a lot of help, but I like to see the names of the German authors, book titles and book covers.
One display that I really enjoyed when I was at the Graff bookstore in Brauschweig was a table of Krimi novels and they all were set in the Harz. If you’ve read about my trips to Germany you know how much I love that area. I should have bought one of those even if it would probably take me a whole year to read with dictionary in hand and bugging my husband the whole time but I think it would be a fun challenge. Anyway that might be a challenge for next year.
So I’m definitely in and looking forward to discovering some German literature. I am not sure if I’ll be able to participate in the readalongs but I’m going to try to read at least one book for this challenge and I’ll also tell you about some German shows we enjoy. Thanks again to Caroline & Lizzy for hosting the challenge.
Now, what about you? Are you participating and what are you reading?
I read Gunter Grass’ The Tin Drum so long ago that all I can remember is the effect it had on me. Should reread this one. I don’t participate in many challenges, but I just reviewed Karl Osberg’s Delete which was translated by Carolyn Waight.
I’ve had the wolff book on my tbr for ages and I have always wanted to read Grass but have yet to manage it. I already have my plans for the month but perhaps I should make it a point next year and participate as motivation to finally get to the book and author!
I had it on my calendar to attempt participating in this event this year. But it may have to wait another year because my rest of this year is booked and I am behind on my books. 🙁 Hope you enjoy though!
Have fun with German Literature Month! That’s great 🙂
I haven’t planned to participate, but everyone’s lists sound very interesting. Maybe I will make a plan for next November. I’m with you on the idea of loving lit mags from the region from which you want to read more books; I love leafing through French lit mags for the same reason (and my language skills don’t measure up to my desires, but that’s okay too).